The Shakespeare Theatre Company is notorious for always putting a certain spin on classics. From driving a car on stage in the middle of “King Lear” to keeping it old school with an all-male cast in “Romeo and Juliet,” this incredible playhouse never fears straying too far from convention.
The company’s production of “Henry V” is no different. Directed by David Muse, “Henry V” is paired along with “Richard II” as part of the company’s Leadership Repertory. The play features Michael Hayden as a nearly perfect King Henry. Hayden is also concurrently playing the lead in “Richard II.” Other notable performances include Philip Goodwin as the King of France, Rachael Holmes as spunky Princess Katharine and Floyd King as a hilarious Bardolph.
For those of us who didn’t pay attention in AP English, the story of “Henry V” is complex and violent. Henry V is King Henry IV’s slacker son and nobody takes him seriously. Even his own father casually refers to him as “a plague” that hangs over the kingdom. Henry IV dies and Henry V becomes the King of England. The church and his court start bugging him to claim the throne of France, as is his right, but Henry V doesn’t want to before asking the Archbishop.
After asking the Archbishop (whose answer can basically be summed up as, “Um, yeah. Of course,”) Henry V tells France that he has the rightful claim to the throne. The French find this hilarious, because everyone thinks Henry V is a fool. They respond by sending a huge wooden head which Henry V opens without being remotely suspicious. A large pile of tennis balls spills out from the head, much to the bemusement of King Henry’s court and the audience. Henry V freaks out and declares war against France.
The French bribe three noblemen to murder Henry, but he finds out and has them executed. Consequently, people start taking him more seriously. Henry then leads a massive assault against France, with the final number of casualties being incredibly disproportionate — England with 29 and France with 10,000. Henry V becomes the successor to the French throne. And, as if this wasn’t enough revenge for a bunch of tennis balls, Henry V runs off with the French princess Katharine as well, who finds him simply charming even though she can only understand every fifth word he says.
David Muse’s direction of “Henry V” is tight, controlled and strongly disciplined. Funny scenes blend effortlessly with serious ones. Scenes that encompass fighting are loud, incredibly choreographed and, even within a tight space — very absorbing. Rather funny modern touches such as having a member of the chorus use a laser pointer to point out England on a map, gives this production an offbeat touch that’s pretty endearing.
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s version of “Henry V” is not to be missed. The play is running from now until April 10 at Sidney Harman Hall.
You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
